Is Hybrid Cannabis Smuggling on the Rise? 373 kg Seized, 77 Arrested in 2025 with K’taka and Gujarat Leading?
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Synopsis
India is grappling with a troubling rise in hybrid cannabis smuggling, with astonishing figures revealing 373 kg seized in just five months of 2025. The landscape of drug trafficking is evolving, demanding urgent attention and coordinated international efforts.
Key Takeaways
- India seized 373 kg of hybrid cannabis in 2025 so far.
- Karnataka is the leading state with 158 kg confiscated.
- Kerala is emerging as a new trafficking hotspot.
- 77 arrests were made in connection to hybrid cannabis this year.
- Government responses include international cooperation and new helplines.
New Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) India is currently facing a significant surge in hybrid cannabis smuggling, with a staggering 373 kg confiscated within the first five months of 2025. This marks a 24 percent increase from the 302 kg seized throughout all of 2024.
A recent report by Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, presented in the Lok Sabha, highlights an expanding criminal network utilizing air travel, international couriers, and even the dark web to traffic potent hydroponic ganja. Notably, Kerala has emerged as a new hotspot for trafficking.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) indicates that Karnataka leads the nation, with 158 kg seized—a dramatic increase from 56 kg last year.
Gujarat follows with 85 kg this year, a substantial rise from 22.3 kg in 2024, while Maharashtra reported 46 kg, down from 72.3 kg the previous year. Other states with notable seizures in 2025 include Tamil Nadu (54 kg), Odisha (11 kg), and Telangana (11 kg).
After reporting zero seizures in 2023 and 2024, Kerala documented 3 kg this year in two separate incidents, resulting in five arrests, signaling its emergence in the hybrid cannabis supply chain.
The seized goods were traced to packages originating from Thailand, underscoring the increasing involvement of international courier services.
In total, 77 arrests have been made in 2025 across 56 cases related to hybrid cannabis, compared to 51 arrests in 101 cases last year. The government is addressing this issue with Thai authorities, particularly regarding the utilization of human couriers and parcel smuggling, during a bilateral meeting held in Bangkok from May 27-29, 2025.
To enhance enforcement efforts, the Centre has initiated a four-tier Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), instructed all states to establish Anti-Narcotics Task Forces, and launched the MANAS helpline (1933) for public reporting.
The data reveals a concerning trend: drug syndicates are rapidly adapting, and India's response is shifting towards tech-enabled and internationally coordinated countermeasures.
Point of View
I observe the alarming rise in hybrid cannabis smuggling as a clear indication of evolving drug syndicates. The data reflects not just a national crisis but also the urgent need for effective international collaboration and innovative enforcement strategies to combat this challenge.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of hybrid cannabis smuggling in India?
In 2025, India has reported a significant increase in hybrid cannabis smuggling, with 373 kg seized in just five months, compared to 302 kg in all of 2024.
Which states are most affected by cannabis smuggling?
Karnataka leads with 158 kg seized, followed by Gujarat with 85 kg and Maharashtra with 46 kg.
How is the Indian government responding to this issue?
The government has activated a four-tier Narco Coordination Centre and launched the MANAS helpline for public reporting. International collaboration with Thai authorities is also ongoing.
What trends are emerging in the cannabis smuggling network?
The smuggling networks are increasingly utilizing air routes, international couriers, and the dark web, indicating a more sophisticated approach to trafficking.
Are there any new hotspots for cannabis trafficking?
Yes, Kerala has emerged as a new trafficking hotspot, reporting 3 kg seized for the first time in 2025.
